Work Permit in Serbia: Radna Dozvola Guide
How foreigners obtain official employment permits through NSZ
Working legally in Serbia requires a Work Permit (Радна дозвола / Radna dozvola) issued by the National Employment Service (Национална служба за запошљавање — НСЗ / NSZ).
Since 2023, Serbia offers a combined single permit (Јединствена дозвола) that bundles work authorization and temporary residence into one application.
📋 Steps to Obtain a Work Permit
- 1
Employer Job Offer
Receive an official job offer from a Serbian company.
- 2
Employer Files Application at NSZ
The employer submits the work permit application at the local NSZ office.
- 3
Labor Market Test (if required)
NSZ checks the domestic labor market for available Serbian candidates.
- 4
Approval & Payment
Upon approval, the employer pays the administrative fee.
- 5
Apply for Combined Permit
Submit a Јединствена дозвола application combining residence + work at the police.
- 6
Receive Biometric Card
Collect your combined residence-work biometric card.
✅ Required Documents
- ▸Signed employment contract (Уговор о раду)
- ▸Passport copy
- ▸Diploma/qualification certificate (translated and certified)
- ▸Medical fitness certificate
- ▸Company registration documents
- ▸Administrative fee payment receipt
⚠️ Common Mistakes
- ✕Starting work before the permit is issued
- ✕Employer not filing the NSZ application before the employee enters Serbia
- ✕Submitting uncertified diploma translations
- ✕Changing employers without applying for a new work permit
💶 Fees and Processing
Work permit fee: approx. 16,730 RSD. Combined permit card: 5,680 RSD. Processing: 15–30 days.
📖 Vocabulary
- Радна дозвола
- Work Permit
- НСЗ (NSZ)
- National Employment Service
- Уговор о раду
- Employment Contract
- Послодавац
- Employer
- Запослени
- Employee
- Јединствена дозвола
- Combined Single Permit
- Плата / Зарада
- Salary / Wage
- Минимална зарада
- Minimum Wage
❓ FAQ
Does a work permit replace residence?+
With the Јединствена дозвола (single permit), yes — it combines work and residence authorization.
Can I apply for a work permit myself?+
No, the employer must submit the application to NSZ.
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